PETITION CLOSED

Thanks everybody for signing! The support has been amazing and now it's time to hand deliver it to the Capital on March 3rd! Keep up the fight and don't let the politicians tell us that we can't enjoy OUR parks!!!

IT'S NOW OFFICIAL.... THACHER PARK HAS MADE THE LIST OF PARKS TO BE CLOSED!!!!!!!Help us work to stop the closing of one of New Yorks most coveted State Parks. The government is trying to take away one of our most precious resources because they were unable to spend their money wisely and it's time for us to speak up! The taxpayers are the ones who aren't getting a fair shake so let them know we're not happy about it! We need all the help we can get!!!!!

Thacher Park is a beautiful recreational facility located just outside the capital of New York State, on a peak in the Helderburg mountains in Voorheesville, NY. The park has a history dating back almost 400 years ago when the Mohawk Indians used the trail now known as the "Indian Ladder" trail to reach a common trading post run by Henry Hudson.

With picturesque views, 12 miles of hiking trails, modern and primitive facilities, families have enjoyed this park for many years as a place to appreciate the natural beauty New York has to offer. It has been home to many family gatherings, picnics, wedding proposals, first dates, and many other personal activities and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who have visited just once, to those who frequent the park regularly.

Governor Patterson's newest budget proposal would strip funding from this park as well as several others around the state while at the same time creating "exceptions" to the funding cuts and choosing those that will stay open behind closed doors and based on politics alone. There are propositions to add $5 million to the parks and recreation funding but unfortunately that wouldn't save Thacher Park, which would remain on the termination list. However on Feb. 11, the day after making the announcement regarding the closure of state parks, Governor Patterson announced nearly $7 million to be awarded through "health and wellness" projects which include helping to curb tobacco use and fighting obesity to be carried out through media campaigns and awareness programs. Additionally, Governor Patterson previously announced a program that will hand out approximately $16.8 million in tax credits to those who purchase new appliances with the "energy star" logo on them.

The above are examples of how the the State of NY is neglecting the wants of it's residents concerning the closing of Thacher Park, and how spending money on seemingly wasteful projects are the main cause of the parks' closure.

It is because of the above statements that those who have signed below formally petition Governor Patterson to rethink his decision to close John Boyd Thacher State Park. We ask the governor to do what is not only right, but necessary to maintaining a facility that has promoted family values, provided a safe environment for recreational activity, and has been the home of too many "firsts" to list for the residents of NY. Its' beauty is a testament New York's stunning views and its' history extends far beyond any temporary budget shortfalls that would cause its' deterioration. Closing Thacher Park would be destroying an important piece of the fabric that that has made New York the great state it is today.

We ask you, Governor Patterson, to make the necessary adjustments to extend the life of this glorious preserve so that we may pass down to our children and grandchildren the same memories that we all at one time or another had the opportunity to create, and allow them to keep the tradition of John Boyd Thacher Park alive for generations to come.

We thank you for hearing our grievance and hope that you will make the right decision regarding this timeless park.

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Stop the closing of John Boyd Thacher State Park

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